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Monday, September 29, 2008

I used to be a big time scrapbooker. Then I had kids, and didn't have time to scrapbook anymore. Which is very ironic, since that's when all the important moments start. I bought an issue of Creating Keepsakes magazine the other day, and found an amazing site. Its www.scrapblog.com. Its a free site, and so much fun to use! You download your photos and then drag them onto the page (they have TONS of pre-made templates). You can even save them as JPEG images and print them! You can also have them printed and bound in hardcover albums. Warning: its very addictive!

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

My sewing machine has a name. It's Neola, after my grandmother. That's a picture of her as a baby in the silver frame. We have been busy working away the last few days! I am IN LOVE with my machine! I don't even know all the tricks yet--my Bernina classes aren't until the end of October. I can't wait!

I found the perfect pattern for my Lecien fabric. Its the "Quilt Pink" free pattern from Moda. I thought of it because I remembered a gorgeous quilt Doe made using it. I've made two blocks so far, and they're coming together really quickly.I've also done all the cutting for my "Chubby Chicks" quilt. I've started piecing the pinwheel blocks.Well, back to the grindstone!

Saturday, September 20, 2008

No, your eyes are not deceiving you...that is a Bernina sewing machine! I'm still in shock, so bear with me as I try to explain. A couple of weeks ago my mom and Aunt went to the quilt show in Puyallup, Washington. I asked them to take pictures, which they did (see post), and jokingly said they could get me a present, since once you become a "Mom" you don't get presents anymore. Later that day they told me that they felt so sorry for me that they bought me a present. A little one. And it was going to take two weeks to get here. So they told me it was going to be delivered today, that I couldn't leave the house until it got here, and I couldn't answer the door until I had them on the phone. At this point I thought they were being a little crazy.

Well, the doorbell rang and I could see the FedEx truck outside. So I called my mom. No answer. Called my Aunt, she finally answers! By then I had brought the box inside and saw the Bernina logo on the sides. In my head I'm thinking, "Is it? No! It couldn't be! But it is heavy enough...what else could it be?!" So after my Aunt answered I opened it, and yes it is a Bernina sewing machine! By then I am bawling. She told me my grandmother really wanted to buy me a sewing machine. My grandma died this February. So my mom and my Aunt bought it for me from her. That really set off the bawling. I had to get off the phone, my daughter was freaking out, and what was my husband doing? Taking pictures of me! Ugh!

I don't really know when I'm going to be able to talk about MY NEW BERNINA SEWING MACHINE without crying.

Moving on....I made another apron yesterday with some fun paisley fabric:

And...I got my first package from my Stitcher's Angel! She sent me this beautiful album (I'm going to use it to hold pictures of my quilts) , a cupcake thumb pincushion (love cupcakes!),...and this beautiful wall hanging!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

I finished my projects for Treasured Threads today. They are having a booth at the AQS show in Ohio, a needed a little help making some samples.

I made this stitchery by Lynette's House:

And this table runner by Cinderberry Stitches:

I also found time to go to Occoquan and pick up some more fabric. They were cutting fat quarters from a new Civil War reproduction line by Moda. I don't usually do darker colors, but I've really been drawn to Civil War reproductions lately. I'm thinking of making my husband a 'manly' quilt out of them.My order from Shabby Fabrics came in today! Look at these beautiful fat quarters by Lecien! Now I have to figure out what to make with them!

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Yesterday I stumbled upon an amazing artist, Rebecca Barker. She has a beautiful series of quilt-inspired paintings. I have selected a few (with her permission) to share with you. She also has two quilt books (available on her website) that feature her original artwork and the quilt patterns that go along with them. Enjoy!

Friday, September 12, 2008

My mom just sent me these photos, and I had to post them. That's my dad, fishing in the stream that runs through the family farm. The farm has been in the family for over a hundred years. There's a smaller parcel of land on one side of the creek, and that's where Todd and I are going to build our dream house (*someday*).

I finished my apron today! It was hard to get a good picture of it, because I can't model it and take the picture at the same time! Its really cute on...it has a fun little ruffle to it.

Here is a close up of the fabric:

I only have 2 'hints' when it comes to making aprons.1. I do not like exposed seams. I either use a rolled edge or a French seam.2. I top stitch everything. That way it washes really well.

Here is a pic of my 'hidden seams':One of my favorite books is "The Apron Book"My mom has an apron just like this one at the farmhouse. She said she was going to give it to me. Yay!Look at the little quilt pockets on these two!How fabulous is this 'hostess apron'?!